SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
RCMP are taking the rare step of warning the public about an inmate they describe as a violent sexual offender who is to be released from the North Slave Correctional Centre (NSCC) today.
Travis Menacho, 27, has convictions for sexual assault, sexual interference on a minor and failing to comply with his bail conditions. Police said they are warning the public in the interest of public safety. Menacho is described by police as aboriginal, 175 cm (5'7") tall and weighting 55 kilograms (121 lbs.) He has brown eyes and black hair.
"Menacho is considered by police to be a violent sexual offender who poses a risk of significant harm to the public," the Mounties stated in a news release.
Menacho is on probation for three years and will be required to follow strict conditions, including restrictions on any activity that involves children under the age of 16.
Menacho was convicted of sexual interference in January of this year in a case involving an eight-year-old girl in Deline in July of last year. He was sentenced to 19 months in jail with nine months deducted for time already spent in custody.
"The NWT RCMP is issuing this information and warning after careful deliberation of all related issues including privacy concerns in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform members of the community about Menacho," the release stated.
"Members of the public are advised that the intent of this process is to enable citizens to take suitable precautionary measures," police stated. "RCMP is warning that any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct will not be tolerated."
Police stated in their news release that residents of Tulita should pay particular attention to their warning although they would not say why or whether they had information that Menacho was expected to be headed there after his release. The NWT Department of Justice does pay to return released inmates to the communities where their arrest occurred once they get out of jail, according to Sue Glowach, senior communications adviser with the Department of Justice.
"The corrections service only has an obligation to return a released inmate to the place where their arrest occurred. "We work to send them to the community where they will have the greatest supports, including a place to live therefore increasing their chances of success," Glowach stated in an e-mail.
"They are usually escorted to the airport by staff to catch their flights."
